a severe wound, both on fish and man, whence its name among the west-country people of "sea-adder." It is the two rows of elongated hard plates underneath the bodies of sticklebacks which have given them the name of Gasterosteus, i. e. "bony-belly." The fifteen-spined species is a shore-loving fish, and should therefore be kept in a shallow or tidal tank. The "pogge," or armed bull-head (Aspidophorus Europaus) is not distinctly related to it, but its body is

more octagonal, being covered with eight rows of strong plates. The mouth is furnished with curious cilia. This fish is a very graceful species, but terribly destructive to the young shrimps, prawns, and lobsters. In pursuit of the latter species they frequent the deeper parts of the sea, and in the aquarium may be seen keeping close to the floor, whose tint so well comports with that of their bodies that it screens them from observation. Indeed, to a certain extent the pogge

has the chameleon-like power of changing its tints according to the ground it haunts. Few fishes are therefore better defended against enemies, if we take into account the mail-clad body and the deft means of concealment they have by simulating the colour or tint of their hiding place.

In many respects the gurnards are aquarium favourites. The elegant shapes and usually bright colours and tints of our British species would be quite sufficient to induce the naturalist to place them in his "show tanks." Those who have seen the larger sapphirine gurnard alive will not soon forget the exceedingly bright colours on the very large pectoral fins, which have earned for it its popular name. Some of the species are called "Butterfly Gurnards" from their coloured spots, streaks, and tints. Their thin and tapering bodies contrast strongly with their large and somewhat angular heads. All of them have well-developed pectoral fins, and it is these, when coloured, that cause them to have something of a butterfly appearance whilst swimming. We have seen how in the angler fish three of the dorsal fin rays are modified both as to their use and position, so that they serve as natural angling baits by which the fish attracts its prey. In the gurnards we have a modification of the first three of the rays of the pectoral fins, which are actually used as legs, the gurnards being able to creep along the sea-floor for some distance by their aid. Their

mode of walking very much resembles that of the lobster upon its slender jointed feet. These improvised feet also disturb many kinds of animals hiding under the sand, which soon fall a ready prey. The streaked gurnard (Trigla lineata) possesses exceedingly rich tints, especially when young, insomuch

that in the water it suggests the appearance of some gaily-coloured tropical bird. Its usual adult length is about 12 inches. The head, mouth, back, dorsal fin, and tail are of a vermilion colour; and sometimes of a dusky red. Its eyes are of a most lovely and brilliant blue. The dorsal fin is marked with bars of red and pinky clouds. The medial line is sometimes a deeper red, whilst the large red pectoral fins are further adorned with spots and markings of green and blue. The spots are most numerous in the older fish, and fewer and larger in the younger. The grey gurnard (Trigla gurnardus) is a very common fish,

occurring on our coasts in extensive shoals, which are much sought after by fishermen, on account of the demand for this kind of food among the lower classes.

Its pectoral fins are not so large as those of the streaked gurnard, and its colours are less brilliant and striking. The piper (Trigla lyra) has a comparatively larger head than the preceding species, whilst its body

is more slender and tapering. It is very abundant on the southern and western coasts of England.

A fish which bears a bad reputation among the fishermen is the lesser weever, or 'sting fish" (Trachinus vipera). It is said to lie on the bottom of

the boat quiet enough until something or somebody comes within its reach, and then to bound up and drive the sharp thorn-like rays of its dorsal fin into its enemy. Dr. Gunther has proved that the fishermen are right in holding that the wound thus made in the flesh is poisoned, and that the double-grooved